Just a little snippit of information I heard regarding the next TL:
Rumor has it over in Japan, the next Honda Inspire (aka Acura TL) will have a Honda version of GM's 'displacement on demand.' If you've never heard of it before, it goes something like this:
The standard 6-cyl engine operates normally under any sort of acceleration. However, once at a cruising speed, half of the engine bay shuts down, leaving 3 functioning cylinders. This technology was once used on a few Cadillacs back in the 70's, and is currently being used on the Mercedes S600. (which has a V12)
Now I'm sure it will be engineered in normal Honda fashion (i.e. flawless). Obviously, the changeover from 3 to 6 cylinders would have to be seamless.....BUT I seriously wonder how 3 cylinders would generate enough steam to keep a 3400 lbs. car plowing along at 80 or 90 mph. Perhaps it is only meant for slower speeds...(?) Either way, it would do wonders for fuel economy.
If you want the link to the article, perhaps I can dig it up again....What do you guys think? Sound reasonable?